The Salina Journal from Salina, Kansas · Page 27

Page 27 article text (OCR)

Page 28 The SeJim Journal - Thunday, November », mi Tide ready to give Bryant win No. 315 ATLANTA (UPI) - In that very first season, when he came out of the U.S. Navy in '45 and turned Maryland around, Paul "Bear" Bryant gave Indication that he had the ability to wind up as one of the most successful of college coaches. But to become THE most successful, to overtake Amos Alonzo Stagg, who spent 57 years compiling a seemingly unbeatable 314 victories, was beyond anyone's expectations. Bryant noted himself, before beginning the '81 campaign needing only nine more victories to surpass Stagg and become college football's wtnni- ngest coach, "I never figured anyone would stick around long enough to break that record." Probably no one ever again will coach as long as Stagg, who lived to 102 and was still active as an assistant to his son at age 98. But Bryant, expected to get victory No. 315 Saturday when 4th-ranked Alabama is favored to beat Auburn for the ninth consecutive time, didn't need 57 years. Stagg averaged only 5.5 victories a year. Bryant, who, at 68 is in his 37th season as a head coach, is averaging 8.5. And if Alabama beats Auburn and Texas (in the Cotton Bowl), the Bear will have chalked up 117 triumphs in the past 11 years — an amazing average of better than 10 a season. Bryant has tried to downplay this achievement, even claiming publicly that he hasn't been keeping count although those close to him say Stagg's record is very much on his mind. "I haven't won any football games," Bryant insists. "My players and my assistant coaches are the ones who should get the credit. If someone is foolish enough to erect a monument to commemorate my being credited with that record, there should be enough room on it to mention all the other people who played such a large part in .~* Paul Bryant whatever success I've had." Topping Stagg has taken a little longer than expected this season because of a loss to 24-point underdog Georgia Tech and a tie with unheralded Southern Mississippi. But Alabama still is 81-1 going into Saturday's nationally televised regular-season finale. "I'll be glad when it is over," said Bryant. "But, I don't think our players will be worried about any record except trying to beat Auburn." Bryant won six games that year at Maryland, 60 in eight years at Kentucky and 25 more in four years at Texas A&M. Since returning in 1958 to Alabama where he played end during the mid '30s, the total has grown by leaps and bounds. However, it appeared that Bryant's star might be in descent in 1969-70 when Alabama only won six games each of those two years. "I blame myself for those two," says Bryant. "I'd isolated myself up on my tower and realized, thankfully in time, that I needed to get back on the field and do some coaching." Bryant went to his friend Darrell Royal at Texas and picked his mind in order to switch Alabama — primarily a passing team during the years of Joe Namath, Steve Sloan, Ken Stabler and Scott Hunter — to the wishbone. Alabama lost only one regular-season game the next four years — a 17-16 upset in the final game of 72 when Auburn scored twice on blocked punts in the closing five minutes, but couldn't win a bowl game. Bryant solved that problem with a 13-6 win over Penn State in the 76 Sugar Bowl and the Crimson Tide will be going for its seventh straight bowl victory when it takes on Texas New Year's Day in Dallas. Bryant, whose teams won four national championships and placed second in the ratings three other times in 20 years, insists that the only time he worries about his record is when Alabama is in danger of having a losing season — something that has never happened in the 24 seasons he's been at the Crimson Tide helm. But he obviously was disturbed when Alabama went 10-2 last year with his first loss to Mississippi State .and his fourth straight loss to Notre Dame because his players reported practices were a lot tougher last spring and this fall than they had been. "We might have gotten a little lax when we were winning," said Bryant. "I don't know if you could really say we tightened up, but if people aren't ready to buckle it up, we don't want them around here." Bryant believes once he gets the record, it may stand forever. "Coaches don't stay around as long as they used to," he said. "I used to think I could coach it by myself. I don't see how even a young coach can coach now. There's too much to do." Team goals come first for talented Levingston WICHITA (UPI) - Happy-go- lucky Cliff Levingston might prove to be the emotional ballast that keeps Wichita State on an even keel through a tough season. And, by his own admission, the 6-8 junior forward is also a "halfway decent" basketball player. Levingston led the team last year in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 18.5 points and 11.4 rebounds, and teamed with fellow forward Antoine Can- to lead the Shockers to a 267 record and a trip to the NCAA Midwest Regional championship. Levingston connected on 55 percent of'his shots from the field, and his best performance last year was a 28-point, 18-rebound effort against Drake. He was the Missouri Valley Conference's leading rebounder and third best scorer en route to earning a reputation aa one of the nation's premier forwards. His only weakness last year was a 62 percent free throw percentage. And he •ays summer workouts have improved both his free throw shooting and an outside jumper. But the San Diego native claims he's not seeking personal recognition as the Shockers begin the 1981-82 season. "I'm not looking to score any more this year or anything like that," says the affable 20-year-old. "We've just set goals as a team. If you do your job for the team as well as you should, you'll get recognition. "This year, it will be more looking to help each other out. If both Antoine (Cwr) and I look out for each other, m«ybe both of us could be All-Ameri- ouu. "I don't even consider myself a great baiketball player, because I still have a lot of improvements to make. I'm hajfway decent now, but I've got a lot to learn." Splint removed from Cqrtwright's hand NEW YORK (UPI) - The splint WM removed from New York Knicki center BUI Cartwright'i Injured right hand Wednesday and hU availability to play ii now on a day-to-day basis. The 7-2 Cartwright suffered a clipped fracture of the fourth metacarpal bone during practice last Monday in New York, but did not realize the extent of the injury until be arrived in Indiana- polif the following day for a game with the Pacers. Pain and swelling induced team officiate to have the hand X-rayed before tbt Indiana game «nd the break was wealqdy Cliff Levingston If he's not great now, the player nicknamed "Good News" by his high school coach has the physical attributes to become great. A prodigal Jumper, with a 44-inch vertical leap, Levingston can hit the boards. And having run a 9.9 100-yard dash in high school, the 210-pounder is one of the quickest forwards in the nation. But Levingston's emotional makeup might be Just as important as his physical abilities. A friendly, charismatic player in the Magic Johnson mold, Levingston acts as team cheerleader to keep the Shockers psyched up and enthusiastic. "That's why I enjoy the game so much — because I'm happy," Levingston says with his ever-present smile. "I enjoy talking with people and being with people. That's one reason I like playing in Wichita. "If you play somewhere where the people don't like you, it's hard to get real psyched up. But when you've got fans that love you, you just want to go all out for them. That's what it all boils down to. If you see all those people cheering for you, and you know they like you, it sends chills down your spine. "If you've got great fans, you Just want to play your head off." When he's not busy playing basketball for the appreciative Wichita State fans this year, Levingston will be busy entertaining radio listeners. Majoring in television and radio, Levingston is the early-morning disc jockey on campus FM radio station KMUW. Just like in basketball, Levingston says he hasn't acheived greatness yet as a disc jockey — "I'm still learning." $10,OOO WORTH OF GOLD OR SILVER ...JUST $1,500? It's true... Mr. Small Investor! You too can learn the best cept secret of the investment world ... precious metals nvesting... from the people that know! The people at Brazier Exchange. Brazier deals exclusively in the buying and selling of precious metals. hundreds of thousands of small nvestors, just like yourself, are discovering that there is more to ligh yield investments than stocks, bonds, real estate, CD's and noney market funds! .et Brazier show you how a ) 1,500 investment in precious earth metals can keep you two steps ahead of the inflationary spiral! There is no obligation, simply ask Brazier how to control $10,000 worth of any precious metal, for $1,500. Brazier has the answers! CALL BRAZIER, TOLL FREE! 800-8S4-6051 THE METAL EXPERTS BRAZIER A FINANCIAL EXCHANGE Journal sports staff looks at the quiz games Thlt W«*k't Oom« Arizona at Arizona Stat* Army vi. Navy Alabama at Auburn Florida Stat* at Florida Georgia at Georgia T»ch Botton College at Holy Crosi Notre Dome at Miami, Flo. Oklahoma at Oklahoma State Penn State at Pittsburgh Moutton at Rice North Texas St. at San Jose St. Lomar at Southern Mississippi Vanderbllt at Tennessee Louisiana State at Tulane Virginia Tech at Virginia Last week — Year Harold ••chard Arizona State, 30-10 Navy, 24-7 Alabama, 21-3 Florida, 17-16 Georgia, 22-0 Boston College, 21-20 Notre Dame, 21-20 Oklahoma, 24-20 Pittsburgh, 27-22 Houston, 32-6 San Jose St., 30-17 So.MlsslsslppI, 24-7 Tennessee, 14-10 L.S.U., 13-12 Virginia Tech, 37-28 8-7— 111-54 •rod Catt Arizona State, 20-14 Navy, 28-7 Alabama, 27-10 Florida, 14-13 Georgia, 35-7 Boston College, 17-7 Miami, 24-17 Oklahoma, 28-24 Pittsburgh, 20-10 Houston, 34-14 San Jose St., 30-20 So.MlsslsslppI, 35-6 Tennessee, 21-17 Tulane, 23-21 Virginia Tech, 21-14 9-6 — 105-60 Rod Lake Arizona State, 28-27 Navy, 48-14 Alabama, 24-10 Florida, 28-27 Georgia, 35-17 Boston College, 17-14 Miami, 24-20 Oklahoma St., 24-21 Pittsburgh, 28-24 Houston, 21-17 San Jose St., 28-27 So. Mississippi, 42-10 Tennessee, 20-3 L.S.U., 35-20 Virginia Tech, 17-14 94—111.54 Ken Corbltt Arizona State, 38-18 Navy, 27-7 Alabama, 25-3 Florida St., 18-14 Georgia, 27-10 Holy Cross, 17-14 Miami, 21-20 Oklahoma, 28-17 Pittsburgh, 25-20 Houston, 28-14 San Jose St., 42-14 So.MlsslsslppI, 38-7 Tennessee, 25-7 L.S.U., 30-10 Virginia Tech, 21-7 10-5—111-54 Ainge's dilemma to end soon? BOSTON (UPI) - All-America guard Danny Ainge's agent says, one way or another, contract negotiations between the sidelined player and the Boston Celtics should be resolved by the weekend. Celtics owner Harry Mangurian talked to officials of baseball's Toronto Blue Jays, who own the professional playing rights of the former Brigham Young star, and with Ainge's attorney this week. Mangurian said Tuesday that Boston and Ainge are far apart in their negotiations and claimed other National Basketball Association teams have "tampered" with the young player. Ainge's agent, Robert Quinney, said, however, he did not think the Celtics and Ainge were that far apart. One of the primary sticking points now appears to be the length of the contract. The Celtics want a five-year deal; Ainge is seeking a three-year pact. "We're not that far apart. Maybe it's just a matter of principle rather than dollar figures," he said. "Even if it means less money, I want to bring things to a head. I would say it's safe to assume that if it's not settled by the weekend, forget it." The Celtics are operating on under a Nov. 30 deadline set by the Blue Jays, who could extend the deadline. "I think teams in the NBA have definitely tampered," said Mangurian. "They've got his agent thinking his client is worth a mint, worth more than the top pick in this year's draft." Ainge, a backcourt star at Brigham Young last year, elected to play baseball for Toronto this strike-shortened summer, but soured on the sport and asked to be released from his contract after the Celtics drafted him. Ainge claimed he got a verbal agreement from the Blue Jays that would have allowed him to sign with the Celtics, but the Blue Jays denied that and won a court case in New York City that upheld a clause in Ainge's contract prohibiting him from playing basketball. Toronto is seeking $1 million in compensation from the Celtics. Mangurian, after meeting with To- ronto and talking with Quinney, said Tuesday he has made his final offer — at least for the time being. The Celtics during court proceedings reportedly offered Ainge a $1.3 million, five-year contract, an offer the player appeared ready to accept at the time. "Even though I increased our offer by a substantial amount, we're not close at all," said Mangurian. "The next move has to come from their side." . Toronto Vice President Pat Giilick and Mangurian both indicated they were hopeful an agreement on compensation could be worked out. - - Dairy Queen DAILY SPECIALS 20'Off Reg. Price *Offer Good Only at 9th Street Dairy Queen WON. • Peanut Buster Parfait '1.29 TUE, • 16 oz. Malt 69' WED. • Banana Split '1.19 THUR. • Strawberry Shortcake '1.19 FRI. • Fiesta Sundae '1.19 321N, 9th* 823-6109 Imagine One Caid That Lets The Equity You've Built In Your Home Fulfill Your Needs, Realize Your Dreams . . . The Visa Equity Can! With up to $50,000 line of credit ... or more. Ready when you're ready to use any or all of it to consolidate your bills, pay tuition take a dream vacation, improve your home... any major purchase. (Your personal line of credit isdetermined by the equity you have in your home.) The Visa Equity Card isavailableinthisareaonly through Colonial Savings. To learn moreabout how you can combine the equity in your home with the convenience and worldwide acceptance of a Visa card, call or come by any Colonial location. Your Visa ^ty Card ... Probably all the financing you'll ever need. ColonialSavings Corinth Square (Home Office) 4000 Somerset Drive Prairie Village 3948 West 69tR Terrace Oak Park 9700 Quivira Road Lfnexa,KS66i!15 913/648-6500 Great Bend Broadway at Morton Fairway Jojinson Drive at Belinder Road Fairway. KS 66205 9U)/64«-6500 Four Colonies 7900 Quivira Road Unexa.KS 66^15 9W/64W.6500 Lindsborg Wi North Slain Salina £00 South Santa Ke a.KS 67401